Matteo Berrettini Honors Wawrinka's Finale and His Own 30th

Matteo Berrettini has been at the center of two significant moments this month, blending on-court triumph with off-court generosity. The Italian tennis star first played a part in a Grand Slam farewell at the US Open before marking his own personal milestone with a major charitable donation.

Berrettini secured a straight-sets victory over Stan Wawrinka in the US Open first round, a match that served as the Swiss veteran's final Grand Slam appearance. The scoreline was 7-6(4) 7-6(3) 6-0. The first two sets were tight, mirroring their Wimbledon clash earlier this year where all four sets also went to tiebreakers. Wawrinka, a three-time major champion, received a late wildcard and served for the second set at 6-5, but Berrettini broke back to force another tiebreaker he would ultimately dominate.

The New York crowd offered a raucous send-off for the 41-year-old Wawrinka, who confirmed this was his last major. Berrettini's performance was clinical, especially in the decisive third set where he conceded no games. This win advanced the Italian in the tournament while respectfully closing a chapter for a respected rival.

Instead of accepting gifts, Berrettini asked friends and family to donate to a fundraiser supporting cancer care. The initiative, tied to his long-term support of the 'Atleti al tuo fianco' project founded by doctor Alberto Tagliapietra, had a concrete goal. The funds raised were used to purchase 13 microwave ovens for the 'L'Abbraccio' oncology hospice in Pisogne, Brescia.

Berrettini turned 30 on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. His choice gave special meaning to the personal milestone, directly aiding a facility that supports people on a difficult health journey. This act continues his history with the charity, which includes a 2023 project that supplied a year's worth of ice cream to a pediatric oncology department in Rimini.

Both events occurred within days of each other in mid-September. One is a professional achievement in the intense arena of a Grand Slam, where he performed under the unique pressure of an opponent's career finale. The other is a deeply personal decision reflecting his values and commitment to philanthropy away from the spotlight.

They show a player in a mature phase of his career, capable of significant moments on the court while leveraging his platform for community impact. The timing shows a period of reflection and contribution as he enters his fourth decade.

• Key Takeaways
• Berrettini defeated Stan Wawrinka 7-6(4), 7-6(3), 6-0 in the US Open first round, ending the Swiss star's Grand Slam career.
• For his 30th birthday on 16 September 2026, he redirected gift funds to buy 13 microwave ovens for an oncology hospice.
• He has supported the 'Atleti al tuo fianco' charity since 2017, previously funding a year of ice cream for hospitalized children in 2023.